Japan votes to reduce tariffs on US frozen potatoes

The Japanese parliament approved the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Dec. 4, which means tariff reduction on U.S. potatoes.

The deal was negotiated earlier this year and, with the latest Japanese approval, terms can go into effect on Jan. 1, 2020. The pact puts U.S. potato exporters on par with competing countries, said National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles.

“As the largest export market for U.S. potatoes, Japan is vital for the continued health and prosperity of America’s potato growers and industry partners,” Quarles said in a statement. “(The U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement) will restore tariff reductions and place the U.S. potato industry on a level playing field with our foreign competitors. Looking forward, NPC and our domestic partners will continue to work to expand access to the vital Japanese market for high quality U.S. potato exports.”

Once fully implemented, the agreement will reduce and eventually remove tariffs on U.S. frozen and flaked potatoes.